Ecogenics designed and built a 20' X 90' greenhouse unit which provides a fully-enclosed, controlled micro climate for the production of Spirulina algae and Tilapia fish. Via passive solar heat collection, the introduction of waste heat from the distillery; and auxiliary electric immersion heaters, the ambient temperature of the Biosphere
is maintained within a range of 75F to 85F (winter) degrees. The acidity (ph level) of the aquaculture ponds and fish hatchery is maintained at a constant 8,5.
As previously mentioned, the Spirulina is fed with the supernatants derived from the Digester slurry, the waste produced by the Tilapia as well as waste C02 originating from the fermentation vats of the Distillery. Spirulina is widely known as an effective appropriate technology for the remediation of C02 discharges, as well as for its characteristic high-nutrient food and fertilizer qualities.
The Tilapia fish are raised and fed with the Spirulina. In maintaining a mortality rate, a healthy stock Tilapia can be produced at a rate of approximately 1 pound of fish per gallon of water every four months. In studying the performance of the ponds and Biosphere, EcoGenics has found that the algae and fish Create a mutually-supporting or symbiotic community, therefore constituting a true closed 1oop eco-system.
